Harley-Davidson Rejected The Softail Before It Became A Hit

The long-lasting brand known for legendary cruisers similar to the Sportster, Heritage Classic, and Panhead very nearly missed out on one in all its most celebrated series, the Softail. Amongst the enduring Harley-Davidson motorcycles made famous after appearing on the large screen, it’s hard to forget the Softail Fat-Boy, featured in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

Traditionally, Harley-Davidson’s bikes relied on a rigid frame that offered a certain vintage look and was fairly straightforward in design. More importantly, it defined the ride and feel. With no rear suspension, there was nothing stopping the back wheel from conveying every nuance of the open road, fostering a powerful connection between rider and motorcycle. Nevertheless, you would not exactly describe the spine-jarring experience as comfortable.

Then Bill Davis, an engineer and Harley-Davidson enthusiast, developed a brand new frame that captured the brand’s vintage look but incorporated a rear suspension system, hiding the spring/hydraulic shock absorbers below the seat. When Davis approached Willie G. Davidson, chief styling officer of Harley-Davidson, within the mid-’70s along with his unique frame, Davidson declined to maneuver forward with the thought. But within the early ’80’s, the motorcycle giant bought the rights and other associated materials from Davis, launching the FXST Softail in the summertime of ’83.

Historically, many have associated Harleys with concepts like rise up, independence, and masculinity. The brand had cornered that section of the market, but within the Nineteen Eighties could have been trying to lure other demographics into the fold as well. While no official sources confirm it, the Softail could have been a possibility to draw those that would not otherwise be fascinated by the brand.

“The opposite thing that the Softail did is that it lowered the seat height, which is significant because Harley wanted to usher in more women riders on the time,” Buzz Kanter, who covered the industry within the Nineteen Eighties as editor-in-chief of American Iron Magazine, said per RevZilla. (The peak of the bike’s seat is significant because awkwardly attempting to balance on tiptoes to stabilize tends to mar the experience.) In 1986, the Ladies of Harley affiliate group was established, and member Gail Anderson won its first ride-in show with a custom FXSTC Softail. 

American women comprised a mere 6% of motorbike owners in 1990, in line with Motorcyclist, but almost 20 years later had reached around 20%. The Softail series has continued to be popular amongst women, with Genevieve Schmitt, editor of Women Riders Now, speculating in 2009 that the Softail Deluxe FLSTN was a favourite because of its short 24.5-inch seat height. In fact, Harley-Davidson hasn’t been the one brand trying to expand its appeal, as Royal Enfield is making a latest generation of female motorcycle racers.

While many female riders may benefit from the Softail’s lower seat height, others have gravitated toward it for health-related issues. For instance, user Rem posted on Harley Davidson Forums, “I even have lumbar issues … but still ride rather a lot on my two softails.” Other riders described various back injuries, but pointed to Softail models just like the Fat Boy as bikes that do not stress their conditions.

The Softail is not necessarily a superb beginner motorcycle, considering that its 2026 entry price begins at $14,999; a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that is best for brand new riders is perhaps something just like the Nightster, with its suggested starting price $5,000 cheaper. Nevertheless, those that are more experienced (as in, not more likely to dump the bike on account of a rookie mistake), might enjoy something just like the reasonably priced, punchy Street Bob ($14,999), or for longer distances a Heritage Classic Softail ($19,999) that may accommodate a passenger.

Nevertheless, this legendary series may not be enough to assist pull Harley out of its current funk. Harley-Davidson retail sales have been on a downward trend, going from 134,413 bikes sold in North America in 2021 to 102,023 in 2024. Very like the corporate did back within the ’80s, perhaps it is time to connect with a brand new group of riders. America’s top-selling motorcycle brand in 2025 is not Harley-Davidson, and that has to do with younger riders favoring other brands, like Kawasaki.